Shillong | August 24, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
(India Today NE)
The Meghalaya government has assured protesting tourist taxi operators that their concerns over interstate movement, parking and alleged harassment will be taken up with Assam authorities.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar met representatives of the drivers’ association after protests disrupted tourist-vehicle movement between Meghalaya and Assam for three days.
The association has demanded designated parking for Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicles at Guwahati airport and alleged harassment by Assam Police during journeys through the state.
Drivers also sought compensation for vehicles allegedly damaged during recent protests at Jorabat, on terms comparable to compensation provided by Meghalaya.
Dhar said interstate vehicle movement would resume under the earlier arrangement while the two governments prepared for a meeting proposed for September 10.
The meeting is expected to involve transport commissioners from both states and representatives of transport associations, although the final date and venue have not yet been confirmed.
Meghalaya taxi operators staged protests at Umiam Lake and briefly stopped Assam-registered vehicles from entering Shillong. The wider disruption affected tourism transport and contributed to fuel shortages at several petrol outlets in Meghalaya.
The immediate resumption of movement reduces short-term economic and supply pressure. A durable settlement will require reciprocal operating rules, designated airport facilities, an enforceable complaint mechanism, protection of drivers and passengers and a transparent process for assessing damage claims.